Popetown is a cartoon with obvious parallels to Vatican City and the Catholic Church. But on the other hand, there are also many differences. Firstly, it's Popetown, not Vatican City. Secondly, the 'Pope' is a very young boy (who sounds like a girl), with all the character flaws and immaturity of youth, unlike the real-life scenario where Popes have typically been elderly men (the youngest Pope in history was reported to be about 18, although there is debate and uncertainty about that). [Note: On various news websites it is stated that the Popetown Pope is a 77 year old man, with the personality of a 7 year old. The reality is, he's drawn as 7 or 8, he sounds 7 or 8, his behaviour is that of a child (not a man in his second childhood), and he's got the innocence of childhood, not the ignorance of senility. Perhaps the Popetown team may have originally planned to have a childish 77 year old Pope, and may have changed their mind with that being too close to reality, but there is NOTHING about this Pope to suggest his age has ever been more than that of a young child.] Produced by BBC3, but controversially not aired by BBC3 for fear of upsetting Catholics (or alternatively, as a stunt to raise publicity for the show - who would spend $5 million and then decide not to proceed to air?). Anyway, other broadcasters have had the courage to air the show, with it's worldwide premiere being on the music channel C4 in New Zealand, Wed June 8th, 2005. The show consists of only 10 episodes, of aprox 25 mins running time once commercials have been excluded. The Catholic Church stirred things up in the UK BEFORE Popetown ever went to air, but in NZ the reactions from the church have been acceptance initially, and indignation following repeated suggestions of zoophilia, alcoholism, stupidity and corruption within Popetown. From my perspective of episode One, the show is sufficiently distanced from the real Vatican situation to avoid any storm of protest. Remember, this is not The Vatican. It's Popetown in a cartoon land. I would have no qualms about children viewing this show. Key Characters: Father Nicholas - the poor guy who has to try to keep the Pope and his affairs in order. Nicholas has brains and a strong sense of responsibility. He works from the Back Office of Popetown Sister Marie - somewhat brainless assistant to Father Nick and The Pope. The Pope - estimated to be about 8 years old. The Pope is immature and demanding, as many a priveledged child can be. Pope wants to play on his pogo stick, rather than attend to 'Popish' duties. The Cardinals - These are the power-mongers of Popetown. They operate the place as one large business, with their interests being profits and having a good time. Sister Penelope - Penelope is pretty and young, probably in her twenties. She works in publicity, on a TV network for Popetown. Much like any other TV presenter, she is lively and attractive. She appears in a minority of shows. Father Bush (or is it Bosch?) - This is the guy with the love of exotic animals. There's the constant suspicion that he's got a warped interest... but no proof! Though produced by BBC-3, the first air date shown here is for the world premiere of Popetown on C4 in New Zealand, which began on Wednesday 8th June 2005 at 9.30pm.--------- (Editors Note) -------- I've waited months for the 'new' TV.com to produce an interface that allows the recording of all the crew. They still only allow only about a quarter of the crews positions to be listed, so now that I no longer have to pander to the Tv.com moderators, I've taken the liberty of listing the entire cast and crew below... it has to be recorded somewhere! Note: Mackenzie Crook is listed as 'Starring' in every episode, but his role(s) are never revealled. Created By: Isabelle Dubernet, Eric Fuhrer, Phil Ox Script Editors: Kevin Eldon, Mackenzie Crook Music: Julian Moore Produced by: Alan Marke ----- Live Action Sequence (episode intro) ----- The Priest: Ben Miller The Kid (drawing): Rhys Thomas Director of Photography: Terence Bulley ------ (end of Live Action Sequence cast/crew) ----- Post Production Supervisor: Rebecca Ferrand Script Coordinator: Lucy Scott Line Producer: Yohanne Seroussi Production Manager: Valerie Tubiana Associate Producer: Stacy Herbert Legal & Business: Lauranne Bourrachot Production Consultant: Xavier Picard Production Co-ordinator: Myra Bojadzijev Animation Supervisor: Christian Bordes Model Pack Characters: Michael Armellino Model Pack 3D & Backgrounds: Xavier de Broucker, Lydle Nguyen Storyboard Artists: Phillippe Deschaux-Beaune, Yves Montagne, Patrice Musson, Fred Vervisch X-Sheet Director: Carlos Campo, Herve Tourmen Chief Editor: Emeline Pattus Editors: Sarah Chartier, Amelie Degouys, Camille Raulo 2D Team: Christine Le Coz, Phillippe Pouzaud, Remi Las Fargeas Color Designer: Jocelyne Darbonnens SFX Supervisor: Sebastien Boudot Chief Layout: Regis Didry Compositing: Metal Hurlant Re-recording Mixer: Paul Cotterell ADR Mixer: Michael A Carter Dubbing Editors: Dave Smithers, Carole Garwood Animation Studios: Hong Ying Universe, Armada-TMT Series Producer: Phil Ox Executive Producer: Heather Hampson Directed By: Phil Ox ---------------------- Writers(episodes): Isabelle Dubernet and Eric Fuhrer (1,6,8,9) Mackenzie Crook (2,3,6) Mark Evans and James Bachman (4,5) David Quantick (10) Additional Material: Mat Lucas (1)moreless

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